News Release

Thursday, June 15, 2000

Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested

LOS ANGELES POLICE DEPARTMENT
PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, June 15, 2000

"Sexual Assault Suspect Arrested"

San Pedro - On Sunday, June 11, 2000, a ten-year old female victim was walking with seven family members when she and her thirteen year-old sister decided to run ahead and race each other home. As the victim reached the alley in the 200 block of West 16th Street, the suspect grabbed the victim and forced her into a red 1992 Honda vehicle. The suspect forced the victim onto the floorboard and fled. The victim's thirteen-year-old sister witnessed the abduction.

The victim was transported to an apartment and once inside, the suspect sexually assaulted her. The suspect then drove the victim to the area of Delasonde Drive and Montereina Drive where he let her out of the car. The victim ran to a nearby house where the resident assisted the victim by notifying her family and the police.

Los Angeles Police Department, Robbery-Homicide Division, Rape Special Section, Detectives Gina Rubalcava and David Cedeno responded to the scene and assumed investigative responsibility. On June 13, a press conference was held at Harbor Area Police Station and the public's assistance was requested. On June 14, Detectives received information from a citizen that led to the identification and arrest of the suspect.

On June 15, 2000, Timothy Pearson, a male Caucasian, 29 years of age and a resident of Los Angeles has been taken into custody and booked for 288 (a) P.C. The case was presented to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office for filing consideration. Three felony counts of sexual assault were filed and if convicted he could serve 48 years to life.

It was through the involvement of the Harbor Area community and the outstanding efforts of Harbor Area Patrol and Detectives, and Robbery-Homicide Division personnel that led to the apprehension of the suspect in this case.

Anyone with information or that may have been a victim of a similar crime is urged to call the Los Angeles Police Department's Robbery-Homicide Division, Rape Special Section at 213-485-2921 or 213-485-2504 during non-business hours.